Excavator tracked undercarriage: the basics of care

The excavator tracked undercarriage has numerous moving parts adapted to working in difficult conditions. In order for them to function properly, they must be cared for and maintained. Regularly checking the undercarriage for wear helps prevent costly downtime and potentially shortening the life of the tracks. In the event of a serious failure on a construction site, repair in such an environment is a real challenge. That is why the efficiency of the track system is so important. To know how to properly care for it, read some of our tips.

Routine inspection

It is important to frequently check whether the undercarriage components are wearing evenly, and whether any of them are damaged or missing. This includes the following parts:

• hydraulic motor
• driving wheel
• a tension wheel and rollers
• track bolts
• track chains
• washers

The track tension should also be checked as incorrect tension can also have a negative effect on the excavator tracked undercarriage.

All items should be in place. If they are not, it could be a sign of a loose track pad or worse, a broken pin. It is also good to check whether oil is leaking from the road rollers, drive stars or hydro motor. Oil leaks can cause a damaged seal, which can result in a serious failure.

Basic functions

Certain job site activities, such as sharp and aggressive turns, can increase wear on the track system. Therefore, it is important to follow guidelines that help to minimize undercarriage wear. Wear and tear is also accelerated by constant work on slopes or hills. When the excavator is moving up or down, make sure the drive motor is in the right position. It should point to the rear of the machine, which makes it easier to maneuver on a climb. In addition, it is good to avoid driving on rough asphalt or concrete, as such materials have a destructive effect on the tracks.

At the end of the working day, the operator should clean the dirt from the chassis. If an excavator tracked undercarriage is not regularly cleaned, its components deteriorate prematurely. Furthermore, dirt adds weight to the chassis, thereby increasing fuel consumption.